When the Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble from Basel, Switzerland, visited the Ohio University School of Dance in October, junior dance students Stephanie Johnson and Justin Middlebrooks had no idea the company was seeking potential dancers for its upcoming season.
It came as a complete surprise to the two dancers when they were told the world-renowned modern-dance company, founded in 1991 by American dancer Cathy Sharp, had offered them performance internships set to start next month - an opportunity Johnson and Middlebrooks both said they couldn't turn down.
In the dance world
every single thing you do to get yourself out there is important Johnson said.
Starting Feb. 11, Johnson and Middlebrooks will be learning and rehearsing choreography with the company in Switzerland. Guest artist Felix Duméril, former director of the Bern Ballet, will choreograph one of the dances to be performed for a Swiss audience during the last week of May.
Dancers from Argentina, France, Italy, Japan and Switzerland work for the company.
I've never been out of the country and this is such a big stepping-stone in my career
said Johnson, a Huntington Beach, Calif. native. I'm just nervous to make sure I get everything correct and don't mess it up in any kind of way.
As apprentices, Johnson and Middlebrooks will be observed and assessed throughout the season on their potential, progress and abilities.
If they like us
they could offer us jobs after college
and that would be ideal
said Middlebrooks, who is from Tampa, Fla.
Both dancers said they would leave right away if asked to join the company.
I'm going to grow so much from this experience. I don't know how much
I just know it's going to be major
Johnson said. I can't wait to see how I will develop as a person
as a dancer
just from this experience alone.
